Laurence Anyways2012

In the 90's, Laurence tells his girlfriend Fred that he wants to become a woman. In spite of the odds, in spite of each other, they confront the prejudices of their friends, ignore the council of their families and brave the phobias of the society they offend. For ten years, they try to live through this transition, and embark on an epic journey which, unbeknownst to them, may cost Fred and Laurence themselves and each other.

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As someone who didn't really vibe with Mommy as much as I would have liked, this film is everything I expected that film to be: gorgeously shot, wonderfully performed, beautifully written and edited, and just emotionally devastating. When I think of films that claim to boast about "the resilience of the human spirit," they're never as genuine or affecting as films like this, which truly explore and expose man's quest for happiness and acceptance in a harsh, cold world.

Member Reviews (8)

As someone who didn't really vibe with Mommy as much as I would have liked, this film is everything I expected that film to be: gorgeously shot, wonderfully performed, beautifully written and edited, and just emotionally devastating. When I think of films that claim to boast about "the resilience of the human spirit," they're never as genuine or affecting as films like this, which truly explore and expose man's quest for happiness and acceptance in a harsh, cold world.

The film is bold and gushes imagery, music, emotions and ideas! It is an ambitious undertaking. Much of the flamboyance, look and overall style from "Heartbeats" is here. To his credit, Dolan pursues a much deeper level of humanity via melodrama in "Laurence Anyways."

Xavier Dolan beats the odds and the film works despite Dolan's hyperactive need for melodramatic flourishes. The actors give such strong performances and the story is exploring aspects that have sadly never been fully explored until only recently.

The challenge one faces in truly enjoying the movie is that it is all just too much. Never quite surreal, but then never quite grounded enough to fully "swallow" -- this is a world that is only ever half formed. But even a half of Dolan's world offers more magic than disappointments.

This movie is a bomb! Such a riot, a lavish feast to eyes, ears..a bold, unabashed use of colors, sounds, camera. Not a single frame is spared. A fitting tribute to the 90s, the last decade before the world came unhinged (with superficial technological leaps). The story itself is so sincerely told, it tugs on your heart.

Eh. The cis girlfriend character is consistently transphobic and Laurence is unhealthily accepting, while the film paints the ciswoman as being someone admirably understanding or something. Not worth watching imo

Xavier Dolan does a great job of showing the coming out process of a trans person and how this affects her life and the lives of those around her. "The Danish Girl" does that as well however Dolan's was made first and takes place in a more contemporary setting. I love all of Dolan's films.